Saturday, April 28, 2012

As already reported, on March 31, 2012, 18 A-10Cs of an ANG "Rainbow Team" arrived at Lajes Field, Azores, en route to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Warthog News contributor André Inacio from Portugal had the opportunity to take the following shots. Unfortunately, he arrived at the airport too late to catch the arrival of the first six A-10Cs which were the following:

His most memorable Air Force experience: My most memorable experience in the Air Force thus far has been when I served in Afghanistan supporting Operation Enduring Freedom. I recall launching my jet out with the wing commander piloting it. My jet came back with absolutely no munitions left. Note: Seems like he talked about the commander of an Air Expeditionary Wing in Afghanistan - either the 451st AEW at Kandahar Airfield or the 455th AEW at Bagram Airfield.

Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd (pictured as Senior Master Sgt. in 2010) was selected April 24, 2012 as the incoming command chief of the 442nd Fighter Wing. The wing is an A-10 Thunderbolt II Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. Nudd served in the 442nd FW in 2009 and 2010 as the weapons safety manager. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston)Hi-res

4/25/2012 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- Chief Master Sgt. James Nudd was announced as the incoming command chief of the 442nd Fighter Wing, here, April 24, 2012.

He was selected by Brig. Gen. Eric S. Overturf, 442nd Fighter Wing commander. Nudd is currently assigned as the Air Force Munitions Functional Manager at Headquarters United States Air Force, the Pentagon, Washington D.C., and is responsible for logistics plans and policies to organize, train and equip munitions and missile maintenance, and related functions within the Air Force. He serves as the Air Staff lead for all conventional munitions and missile maintenance activities.

Nudd was assigned to the 442nd Fighter Wing as the weapons safety manager from December 2009 to August 2010. During that time, he was awarded Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter, Senior Noncommissioned Officer of the Year and Air Force Reserve Command Weapons Safety Manager of the Year.

Originally from Medina, N.Y., Nudd entered the Air Force in 1984. He has worked in a variety of leadership positions within the munitions and weapons safety arenas for several commands in the Air Force. He has served in multiple deployments and served as a first sergeant at the 184th Maintenance Squadron, McConnell AFB, Kan. Nudd has a bachelor's degree in occupational safety and health from Columbia Southern University, Ala.

4/26/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- The first A-10 Thunderbolt II sorties for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-02 return to the Osan Air Base flight line, April 24, 2012. Beverly Midnight 12-02 is the second half of a two-week consolidated unit inspection where Osan Air Base Exercise Evaluation Team members are graded by Pacific Air Force inspectors on how well they conduct an ORE. Osan's Airmen provide combat ready forces for close air support, air strike control, counter air, interdiction, theater airlift, and communications in the defense of the Republic of Korea, and the ORE tests these abilities during a heightened state of readiness.

4/24/2012 - An A-10C Thunderbolt II demo team fires toward ground targets at the Grand Bay Bombing and Gunnery Range April 23, 2012 at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. The demo was held to show Italian distinguished visitors the A-10’s capabilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Eileen Meier)Hi-res

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

4/24/2012 - Capt. Jeff Negrette, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, briefs visitors at the 2012 Defenders of Liberty Air Show about the seven-barrel 30mm Gatling gun on the A-10 at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 22, 2012. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 79-0153 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

4/24/2012 - The crowd finds shade under an A-10 Thunderbolt II at the 2012 Defenders of Liberty Air Show at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 22, 2012. The Warthog as it is affectionately known, has excellent maneuverability at low air speeds and altitude, and is a highly accurate weapons-delivery platform. Both the 307th Bomb Wing and 917th Fighter Group provided static displays for the air show. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

4/22/2012 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Team Osan reported for duty April 22 in response to a base-wide recall for operational readiness exercise Beverly Midnight 12-02.

Beverly Midnight 12-02 is the second half of a two-week consolidated unit inspection where Osan Air Base Exercise Evaluation Team members are graded by Pacific Air Force inspectors on how well they conduct an ORE.

"Operation Readiness Exercises are great opportunities to put all our training together and demonstrate our ability to defend, execute and receive," said Col. Mark DeLong, 51st Fighter Wing vice commander.

Last week Osan completed the first part of the CUI where more than 100 inspectors went over the programs, plans and procedures for the base.

Throughout week two EET will evaluate Osan Airmen's ability to survive and operate in a wartime environment, as well as defend the base, execute combat operations and receive follow-on forces.

"Our exercises also have a 'real world' purpose," DeLong said.. "By demonstrating our outstanding ability to fight and win tonight, we send a powerful message to our adversary up north."

During the week, Airmen will showcase their ability to position, employ and sustain forces during a variety of simulated attacks and simulations. Participants will also demonstrate the ability to administer self-aid and buddy-care and survive and operate in a chemically contaminated environment.

"We're off to a great start, and we've done some great preparation over the last several months," said Maj. Glen Goossen, 51st Fighter Wing exercise and plans. "As long as Osan Airmen continue to execute in world-class fashion, the rest of the inspection will take care of itself."

Results of Osan's CUI and ORE will be released during a base-wide commander's call April 30.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

The following stand-alone photo was released by 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs

Original photo caption: Transient alert members from the 65th Operations Support Squadron park twelve incoming A-10C Thunderbolts from the 442nd Fighter Wing on their way back to their home base after a deployment mission April 12. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lucas Silva) Hi-res

Note: Pictured is A-10C 81-0998 from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG). It belonged to the CONUS (Continental United States)-based part of the recently deployed "Total Force" A-10C team which included six A-10Cs from the 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing (Michigan ANG), Selfridge ANGB (tailcode MI), three A-10Cs from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), and three A-10Cs from the 303rd Fighter Squadron, 442nd Fighter Wing (AFRC), Whiteman AFB, Missouri (tailcode KC). The six other deployed A-10Cs belonged to the 81st Fighter Squadron, 52nd Fighter Wing (USAFE), Spangdahlem AB, Germany (tailcode SP), which returned home separately.

Saturday, April 21, 2012

During the last couple of days I got two requests from German Warthog enthusiasts about this "Hog", stored at AMARC (AMARG), Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. The remains of this airframe are placed on three palletes. Painted in front of the canopy is the number 66018, but an A-10 with the last three digits 018 doesn't exist. If I try my A-10 Aircraft Database for the last two digits 18, I can only find A-10 78-0618, formerly assigned to the 190th Fighter Squadron, 124th Wing (Idaho ANG). On a first look, the nose art seems like 184th Fighter Squadron, 188th Fighter Wing (Arkansas ANG), but there are significant differences. The following pictures were taken in March 2012.

Best view of the number in front of the canopy. (Courtesy photo)Full size

Friday, April 20, 2012

By Joachim Jacob, Warthog News Editor
Dear visitors! Blogger again changed their interface, maybe with some bad consequences to old templates like this one used by me for Warthog News. And so, I've to deal with new rules, especially related to edit paragraphes and pictures. Sorry, but give me time to find out the right solutions for my blog.

4/20/2012 - Lt. Col. Rodney Glass, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, taxis his jet past a C-17 Globemaster III at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2012. Glass piloted the final A-10 from the 917th Fighter Group that was used during their deployment to Afghanistan into Barksdale AFB. The C-17, from the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, carried the final 47 Airmen from the 917 FG who were also deployed to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-resNote: Pictured is A-10C 79-0145 from the 47th Fighter Squadron.

4/20/2012 - Lt. Col. James Travis, the commander of the 47th Fighter Squadron, leads the final group of returning Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group across the flightline at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 17, 2012. A C-17 Globemaster III from the 436th Airlift Wing, Dover Air Force Base, Del., carried the Airmen from the 917 FG who were returning from a deployment to Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens)Hi-resSourcePlease note: More pictures will be uploaded soon.
BTW: Recently deployed from the 47th Fighter Squadron, 917th Fighter Group (AFRC), Barksdale AFB, Louisiana (tailcode BD), were: A-10C 79-0094, A-10C 79-0145, and A-10C 79-0154.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

4/18/2012 - Lora Fairchild, a photographer for "The Forum" takes a photograph of Master Sgt. Edward Fairchild and Tech. Sgt. Christopher Duhe, for a story about hard-working Airmen at Barksdale Air Force Base, La, April 12, 2012. Sergeants Fairchild and Duhe are crew chiefs for the A-10 Thunderbolt II. "The Forum" is a free newspaper that brings bi-weekly information about the Shreveport/Bossier City area's news, events, home, health and entertainment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

4/18/2012 - Lora Fairchild, a photographer for "The Forum" takes a photograph of Maj. Grant McCall for the cover of an issue of the newspaper at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 12, 2012. McCall is an A-10 pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron. "The Forum" is a free newspaper that brings bi-weekly information about the Shreveport/Bossier City area's news, events, home, health and entertainment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jeff Walston)Hi-res

Maj. Brian Leiter, 303rd Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot, returns from Afghanistan April 17, 2012, while his son waits for his first hug. The 303rd FS is part of the 442nd Fighter Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Danielle Johnston)Hi-res

Maj. Maurice Kent, an A-10 Thunderbolt II pilot assigned to the 47th Fighter Squadron, receives a warm welcome from his family at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., April 14, 2012. Kent arrived at Barksdale after a deployment to Afghanistan. Approximately 150 Airman from the 917th Fighter Group who were deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens)Hi-res

4/17/2012 - Barksdale AFB, La. -- Approximately 150 Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group returned to Barksdale from Afghanistan over the past few days.

While deployed to Afghanistan, the Airmen served in the 451st Air Expeditionary Wing at Kandahar Airfield before being relocated to Bagram Airfield as part of the 455th Air Expeditionary Wing.

Some of the Airmen were also assigned to the 47th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, 451st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 451st Maintenance Squadron.

Barksdale Airmen teamed up with more than 150 people from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mass., and Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo., to complete the mission in Afghanistan.

"We are very proud of our Airmen and the support they gave to U.S and coalition forces in theater," said Col John Breazeale, 917 Fighter Group Commander. "Our maintenance personnel and pilots had a significant impact on the current operations in Afghanistan, and we were extremely honored by the opportunity deploy as a unit for the first time in sixteen years."

The Barksdale Airmen were schedule to arrive at several different times and dates due to transportation availabilities and unavoidable delays. The first group of approximately 100 Airmen arrived at Barksdale on Saturday, April 14, 2012, with six pilots and six A-10 Thunderbolt II jet aircraft arriving on Sunday, April 14, 2012.

The final group of Airmen arrived at Barksdale on Tuesday, April 17, 2012.

Members of the 917th Fighter Group are greeted by family and friends at the A-10 Hangar on Barksdale Air Force La., April 15, 2102. Approximately 150 Airmen from the 917th Fighter Group who were deployed to Afghanistan have now returned to Barksdale. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens)Hi-res

4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing wait to process through customs on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)Hi-res

4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing walk towards their friends and families after a customs inspection on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)

4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Capt. John Cotman, 81st Fighter Squadron A-Flight commander, embraces his daughter on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hangar 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)Hi-res

4/16/2012 - SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany – Airmen from the 52nd Fighter Wing wait to process through customs on Ramp 3 here April 13. Family and friends waited at Hanger 3 to welcome home more than 70 Airmen from a deployment with 81st Fighter Squadron to Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, who had been providing close-air support during Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Matthew B. Fredericks)

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

4/16/2012 - Moody Airmen shake hands with U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Short, 23d Wing vice commander, after returning from his final flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. The flight was Short's final flight before departing for Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis)Hi-res

4/16/2012 - U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Short, 23d Wing vice commander, is sprayed by family and friends after his fini-flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. The fini-flight is a long-standing Air Force tradition that occurs when a pilots departs from the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis)Hi-res

4/16/2012 - U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher Short, 23d Wing vice commander, stands at the flightline covered in water and champagne after returning from his fini-flight at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., April 13, 2012. After departing Moody, Short will assume command of the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Douglas Ellis)Hi-res

Colonel Christopher M. Short is the vice commander of the 23rd Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. In this position, he assists the commander to ensure the six groups and one detachment comprising 6,000 military and civilian personnel at four locations in the continental U.S. are combat ready. The wing has additional units at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., Nellis AFB, Nev., and Avon Park Air Force Range, Fla. Moody is the home of the Air Force's legendary "Flying Tigers."

Colonel Short received his commission in 1989 as a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy. Following pilot training at Williams AFB, Ariz., he served as a T-38 Instructor Pilot and then transitioned to the A/OA-10A and later the F-15E. He has served in a variety of flying duties to include Assistant Director of Operations, Operations Officer, Wing Chief of Safety and culminating as the 492d Fighter Squadron Commander, 48th Fighter Wing, Lakenheath, England. He has also held staff positions on the Headquarters Air Force staff and as the Deputy Chief of Staff for U.S. Pacific Command. Prior to serving in this position, he was a course member of Senior Course 118 at the NATO Defense College in Rome, Italy.

Colonel Short is a command pilot with more than 3,300 hours of total flying time in the T-38, A/OA-10A and F-15E, and 243 combat hours in the A/OA-10 and F-15E. Colonel Short and his wife Brooke have three daughters: Emily, Rachel and Sara.

Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics, went on his final A-10 flight April 14, 2012. He was greeted by friends, family and coworkers upon his return to the ground. The 442nd Fighter Wing is an A-10 Air Force Reserve unit at Whiteman Air Force Base, Mo)Hi-res

Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere, retiring Air Force Reserve Command Branch Chief for A-10 training and tactics (at right), went on his final A-10 flight April 14, 2012. Anybody who can identify the A-10C pilot at left?

Note: Pictured in both photos is A-10C 79-0121 from the 303rd Fighter Squadron.

Lt. Col. Brian Vandiviere with his family. Visible at left seems like A-10C 79-0107.

Dedicated in Love

This blog is dedicated to Marina Naumann, my latest female partner who died after incurable pancreas cancer on June 17, 2010, just only a half year after diagnosis. Marina was the second true wife in my life, and she always supported my long-year enthusiastic research work on the Hog, especially since the beginning of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Rest in peace, Marina.